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DWP benefit sees millions get £1,900 boost per month – how to claim (Image: GETTY)
With millions struggling due to rising living costs, Britons are being urged to check if they’re claiming all the financial support they’re entitled to. This year, DWP benefits saw a 6.7 percent increase, potentially offering thousands of pounds in extra assistance to those who qualify.
The Government typically uprates the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) benefits every year based on the previous September’s inflation rate.
Inflation was rising at 6.7 percent in September 2023, which meant some benefits are now worth hundreds of pounds more this year.
With more than 2.1 million pensioners in poverty in the UK, it’s vital to ensure that loved ones are receiving the right support. Pension CreditPension Credit and Attendance Allowance are significantly underclaimed, despite many more being eligible.
Together, these benefits can be worth as much as £1,913 a month, which can make a crucial difference in improving their financial situation.
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DWP benefits saw a 6.7 percent uplift this year, granting Brits thousands of pounds of extra support (Image: Getty)
Attendance Allowance rates 2024
The DWP distributes Attendance Allowance for people over the state pension age (currently 66) who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or a disability.
The person must have a type of disability or illness severe enough to need help with personal care, and they must have needed this help for the last six months. A full list of qualifying medical conditions can be found here.
The benefit is paid at two rates: the lower rate and the higher rate. The amount claimants receive is calculated based on how much help is required, not any current help the person does or doesn’t get.
The new lower and higher weekly payment rates for 2024/25 are:
- Higher rate: £108.55
- Lower rate: £72.65.
This means that in 2024/2025, a person could receive £3,777.80 per year at the lower rate, or £5,644.60 per year at the higher rate. Per month, this works out to £314.81 and £470.38, respectively.
Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance are non-taxable benefits (Image: Getty)
It should be noted that people won’t be able to claim Attendance Allowance if they already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
To claim, people need to fill out an Attendance Allowance form and clearly outline the help they need and the help they don’t.
People can get access to a form by either calling the helpline on 0800 731 0122 or downloading it from the Government website.
Pension Credit 2024
Pension Credit is a benefit distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to low-income pensioners and is separate from the state pension. It is designed to top-up a person’s income to help them achieve a more reasonable standard of living.
Those in receipt of the benefit may also be granted access to a wide range of other benefits, including help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills.
People can receive this even if they have other income, savings, or own their own home, however, they must claim it. It is not paid automatically.
The benefit tops up people’s weekly income to £218.15 if they’re single, or joint weekly income to £332.95 if they have a partner.
In monthly terms, Pension Credit can provide between £945.32 and £1,442.78, depending on the recipient’s circumstances. When combined with the highest rate of Attendance Allowance, the total monthly income could rise to as much as £1,913, and neither benefit is taxable.
People may also qualify for extra amounts if they’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person, which can boost this figure even higher.
Eligibility for Pension Credit is most likely if total weekly income is below approximately £220, though those with slightly higher income may still qualify.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “The £22billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.
“That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit. This Government remains completely committed to pensioners which is why we’re protecting the income of over 12 million pensioners through the Triple Lock.”
Applications can be made online, by phone or by post.